Afternoon walks through Point de Grouin, Cancale

There are a couple little corners in the world where I could sit forever, watching the waves crash against the Earth, looking out into the brilliant water and absorbing natural beauty’s totality and peace. I found the first place in Queensland, Australia, and the second in Brittany, France.

Amid the hustle and stress of foreign travel, and the pressure to see everything in the weekend, the landscape indeed was a break in the tempo, freedom in the chaos and rejuvenation to our spirits.

Facing south, looking down the coast of Brittany

After little research, I came to realize that it’s not just me, but scientifically, “nature restores mental functioning in the same way that food and water restore bodies,” according to several studies. Without demanding attention, effort or stress, there’re countless reasons why we feel a sense of calm and restoration after spending time in nature.

Even during my weekend getaway to St. Malo and Mont Saint Michel, I was in need of a little natural refreshment, and I found the perfect dose on this strikingly beautiful pit-stop.

Not overly complicated, one can reach the panorama by a narrow road with small, dirt lots, all indicated with road signs. The road ends near the end of a peninsula that jets out into the vibrant, clear waters overlooking the English Channel in three directions. Islands on both the horizon and just off the peninsula, the endless sea and ocean breeze will refresh all your senses.

I am still breathless when thinking about the spectacular view from La Pointe du Grouin

Tiny islands float adjacent to the peninsula, with larger islands along the horizon

People walking along the bottom path, circling around the water’s edge and back to the parking lot

Looking north as we walked to the tip of the peninsula

The pathway along the ridge, approaching the tip at the end of the pathway.

Many people picnicked, including myself, enjoying the fantastic scenery

Enjoy the two foot paths: one along the ridge and the other along the water. Not surprisingly, the green landscape reminded me of images I’ve seen of not-so-far-off Ireland. It is truly one of the most remarkable and breathtaking places I’ve ever experienced.

As if it wasn’t enough, My travel companions and passed our morning in Canale, picking sea shells from the alarmingly low tide, perusing through the Sunday market, and exploring the little town before continuing our journey from Mont Saint Michel to St. Malo.

About 20 minutes down the road in nearby Cancale, there’s a small, beautiful park overlooking the town and water. A bit of a hike up from the waterfront, the view is moving, stretching across the village below and faced with the massive body of water, glistening in the sun.

The park’s view looking down into Cancale’s waterfront

The small park constructed atop a hill in Cancale looking over the English Channel

We walked down the shoreline plucking seashells from the seawall before heading up the hill.

The park provided fantastic views of both the adjacent countryside and the water.

A powerful scene on a beautiful day. Even better, the space itself is well-constructed quite well, a lovely public park for inhabitants and visitors alike.

Where are your special spots, that take your breath away? Comment below– I’d love to hear from you.